Patents by Inventor Frank Sieber
Frank Sieber has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11914094Abstract: A multi-purpose detection circuit for object detection and vehicle position determination is described. For example, the circuit is configurable for detecting foreign metallic objects, living objects, and a vehicle or type of vehicle above an inductive wireless power transmitter. The circuit is also configurable for determining the vehicle's position relative to the inductive wireless power transmitter. An example apparatus includes a measurement circuit including a multiplexer, electrically connected to a plurality of inductive and capacitive sense circuits, for measuring one or more electrical characteristics in each of the inductive and capacitive sense circuits according to a predetermined time multiplexing scheme.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, José Pedro Castro Fonseca, Andreas Daetwyler, Lukas Frank Sieber
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Publication number: 20230361618Abstract: This disclosure provides an apparatus for detecting a presence of an object in a predetermined area of an inductive wireless power transfer system. The apparatus comprises a first wire-wound structure having an electrical characteristic configured for electromagnetic sensing of the object. The first wire-wound structure is formed, carried, and held in place by a coil-former substantially from a non-conductive material. The coil-former also forms, carries, and holds in place a second wire-wound structure configured for transferring power inductively. The apparatus further comprises a detection circuit coupled to the first wire-wound structure and configured to measure the electrical characteristic of the first wire-wound structure and to detect the presence of the object in response to a change in the electrical characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Lukas Frank Sieber, Markus Bittner, Hans Peter Widmer, Marcel Fischer
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Patent number: 11750041Abstract: This disclosure provides an apparatus for detecting a presence of an object in a predetermined area of an inductive wireless power transfer system. The apparatus comprises a first wire-wound structure having an electrical characteristic configured for electromagnetic sensing of the object. The first wire-wound structure is formed, carried, and held in place by a coil-former substantially from a non-conductive material. The coil-former also forms, carries, and holds in place a second wire-wound structure configured for transferring power inductively. The apparatus further comprises a detection circuit coupled to the first wire-wound structure and configured to measure the electrical characteristic of the first wire-wound structure and to detect the presence of the object in response to a change in the electrical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Lukas Frank Sieber, Markus Bittner, Hans Peter Widmer, Marcel Fischer
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Publication number: 20230003914Abstract: A multi-purpose detection circuit for object detection and vehicle position determination is described. For example, the circuit is configurable for detecting foreign metallic objects, living objects, and a vehicle or type of vehicle above an inductive wireless power transmitter. The circuit is also configurable for determining the vehicle's position relative to the inductive wireless power transmitter. An example apparatus includes a measurement circuit including a multiplexer, electrically connected to a plurality of inductive and capacitive sense circuits, for measuring one or more electrical characteristics in each of the inductive and capacitive sense circuits according to a predetermined time multiplexing scheme.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicant: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, José Pedro Castro Fonseca, Andreas Daetwyler, Lukas Frank Sieber
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Publication number: 20220239160Abstract: This disclosure provides an apparatus for detecting a presence of an object in a predetermined area of an inductive wireless power transfer system. The apparatus comprises a first wire-wound structure having an electrical characteristic configured for electromagnetic sensing of the object. The first wire-wound structure is formed, carried, and held in place by a coil-former substantially from a non-conductive material. The coil-former also forms, carries, and holds in place a second wire-wound structure configured for transferring power inductively. The apparatus further comprises a detection circuit coupled to the first wire-wound structure and configured to measure the electrical characteristic of the first wire-wound structure and to detect the presence of the object in response to a change in the electrical characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2021Publication date: July 28, 2022Applicant: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Lukas Frank Sieber, Markus Bittner, Hans Peter Widmer, Marcel Fischer
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Patent number: 8621977Abstract: A reciprocating piston engine, particularly a coolant compressor for motor vehicles, includes at least one piston movably supported in a cylinder. A pivot element in the form of a pivot ring is supported on a guide body attached to a shaft in an axially movable fashion such that the pivot element can execute a pivot motion. The pivot motion causes movement of the at least one piston. Spring forces of at least one return spring act on the pivot element in the direction of a start position in which the pivot element is pivoted at a starting pivot angle to a plane on which the rotary axis of the shaft stands upright. At least one further spring element acts on the return spring with an initial tension when the pivot element is in the start position.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: IXETIC MAC GmbHInventors: Frank Sieber, Tilo Schäfer, Jan Hinrichs
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Publication number: 20110197751Abstract: A reciprocating piston machine is proposed, in particular, for motor vehicles, comprising at least one piston movably supported within a cylinder bore, and comprising a valve device (1) interacting with the at least one piston, the device having a valve carrier (3) and an intake valve (5) provided with a number of valve fingers (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2008Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: Jan Hinrichs, Frank Sieber
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Publication number: 20110126701Abstract: A reciprocating piston machine includes at least one piston movably supported within a cylinder bore. The reciprocating piston machine further includes a valve device interacting with the at least one piston. The valve device has a valve plate and a suction valve provided with a plurality of valve fingers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: Erich Kopp, Frank Sieber, Jan Hinrichs, Christian Heine, Michael Krug
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Publication number: 20100258003Abstract: The invention relates to a reciprocating piston engine, particularly a coolant compressor for motor vehicles, comprising at least one piston movably supported in a cylinder, and comprising a pivot element (1), preferably designed as a pivot ring, supported on a guide body (5) that is attached to a shaft (3) in an axially movable fashion such that said pivot element can execute a pivot motion, causing movement of the at least one piston, wherein spring forces of at least one return spring (15) act on the pivot element (1) in the direction of a start position in which said pivot element is pivoted at a starting pivot angle (alpha start) to a plane (E) on which the rotary axis (D) of the shaft (3) stands upright. At least one further spring element (19) acts on the return spring (15) with an initial tension when the pivot element (1) is in the start position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2008Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: ixetic MACE GMBHInventors: Frank Sieber, Tilo Schäfer, Jan Hinrichs